The United Nations has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity. Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life on earth, and is essential for providing food, fuel, health and other vital services. There are many ways to get involved, on a personal level, to promote biodiversity.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada has a number of organizations dedicated to the conservation of plants and wildlife, environmental sustainability, and protection of wetlands and nature reserves. These organizations rely on volunteers at the grassroots level to effect change and various positions are always available. As education and increasing awareness are key mandates of these organizations, experience in the field is often not necessary. Being surrounded by people with a like-minded vision creates the feeling real change is possible.
Baskin-Robbins Heir Founded EarthSave
John Robbins, the heir of the Baskin-Robbins ice cream empire, turned his back on corporate America, instead choosing to pursue an alternate American dream. He founded EarthSave International which has numerous chapters across North America. EarthSave Canada, based in Vancouver, carries on his dream, particularly promoting Robbins' belief that, "A reduction in meat consumption is probably the most potent single act individuals can take in the effort to halt the destruction of the environment and preserve our precious resources."